The Small Scale Developer Academy Your Path to Real-World Impact
You have a dream for your neighborhood.
Maybe it’s about revitalizing a forgotten space on your block, creating quality housing where there isn’t any, or finally opening that small business you’ve always imagined. You know the best places are built by people who love them. People like you.
6 Weeks
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Starts October 6th, 2026
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Tuesdays, 4:30-7:30pm ET
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6 Weeks • Starts October 6th, 2026 • Tuesdays, 4:30-7:30pm ET •
Any of this sound familiar?
The Path Feels Unclear
Development projects come with endless moving parts that can feel overwhelming. We'll give you the proven tools to navigate zoning, financing, and construction, helping you build something that works for your neighborhood and your bottom line.
Investors Feel Unreachable
The best ideas for a neighborhoods come from the people who live there, but getting these projects funded can be incredibly hard. Our faculty of experienced small developers will teach you how to do proper due diligence and create compelling investor presentations to put your best foot forward and secure the funding your project deserves.
You Need Answers
There's so much to learn in this complex field, and we're here to provide guidance. Through focused presentations and live coaching sessions with our faculty, you'll get practical insight on your specific project—from pro formas to permitting—so you can take the next smallest step with confidence.
The Small Scale Developer Academy was designed for folks just like you.
“This program built my confidence in working with pro formas and developing the appropriate level of detail for concepts and pitches.
Joe Silins, Tierra Buena Home and Garden in Tucson, AZ
Bring Your Project
You’re coming into a hands-on experience designed for your specific project.
• Come with a real-world idea, like transforming a historic storefront or rehabilitating a rundown triplex.
• Work directly on your own project, refining your vision and laying the groundwork for a successful plan.
• Ensure everything you learn is immediately applicable to your goals.
Follow Our Framework
Over six weeks, you'll work directly with our expert faculty to apply a proven, step-by-step framework to your project.
• Learn to structure your business and run the numbers on your pro forma.
• Conduct due diligence and prepare a professional pitch package.
• Gain the tools and confidence to create a solid business plan.
Launch Your Vision
You'll leave with a complete pitch package and the confidence to take action.
• Participate in a "Dolphin Tank" practice pitch session for friendly, supportive feedback.
• Get the comprehensive resources and polished materials you need to succeed.
• Be prepared to secure the funding and support to turn your vision into a tangible, profitable reality.
Ready to stop dreaming and start doing?
Without a clear plan, your project could remain a dream. You might continue to feel stuck, watching your neighborhood's potential go unrealized. Don't let your vision for a better community fade away because you didn't have the right tools. As a boot camp participant, you'll receive the resources you need to get your project funded and built.
Resources and tools include:
Small Business Association (SBA) Loan Application Checklist
IncDev Zoning Worksheet
Engineer Scale (12-inch)
Step-by-Step Pro Forma
Pocket Pro Forma
Pitch Package Worksheet & Template Pitch Deck
...and more, all designed to help you succeed.
Meet Your Guides
Ivy Vann, AICP CNU-A
Principal, Ivy Vann Town Planning - Peterborough NH
Ivy is a planner and designer with extensive experience in town planning across New Hampshire and nationally. She specializes in charrettes, code review, master planning, and public engagement, certified by both the American Planning Association and Congress for the New Urbanism. A 42-year New Hampshire resident who served over a dozen years on her town's planning board, she's faculty at Incremental Development Alliance. As a small developer herself—converting her home into multi-family units and managing a 14-unit project—she understands zoning must align with economic viability.
Joel Dixon
Co-Principal, Urban Oasis Development, Atlanta, GA
Joel Dixon is Co-Principal of Urban Oasis Development, focused on residential and commercial development on Atlanta's south and westside. Born and raised on the westside, Joel witnessed his community suffer from disinvestment, shaping his commitment to inclusive development. After beginning his career in tech, he shifted to real estate in 2011 as gentrification reshaped Atlanta. A graduate of ULI's Center for Leadership, Joel develops permanently affordable housing—including duplexes, ADUs, and single-family homes—while living within the communities he serves.
Registration & Dates
To ensure a high-quality experience, attendance at an IncDev Small Scale Development Workshop or Seminar is required.
Live Virtual Sessions:
Tuesday, Oct 6: 4:30–7:30 PM ET - Welcome and Introductions
Tuesday, Oct 13: 4:30–7:30 PM ET - Structuring Your Development Business
Tuesday, Oct 20: 4:30–7:30 PM ET - Figuring Out Your Long Game
Tuesday, Oct 27: 4:30–7:30 PM ET - Analyzing a Particular Project
Tuesday, Nov 3: 4:30–7:30 PM ET - Pitching a Project
Tuesday, Nov 10: 4:30–7:30 PM ET - Practice Pitch Session “Dolphin Tank”
Registration NOTES:
Thank you to the generous support of the State of Vermont, ticket prices are offered at a reduced rate.
This Academy is limited to Vermont Residents or individuals who plan to develop in Vermont.
